Mexico Travel Tips & Information

posted by colin on May 28

The Ministry of Health initiated a certification program for tourism destinations that are free of influenza A H1N1 by analyzing the most important touristic places and endorsing them as safe and healthy.

To this date there are five cities certified as “virus free”. These cities are: Cancun, Cozumel, Villahermosa, La Paz and Manzanillo. Nine more entities will be added to this list, including Mexico City.

The program involves the daily review of tourists and employees and is led by the Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (COFEPRIS). This commission will maintain control of the spread of the virus and confirm that these places are safe and ready to receive tourists.

The program declares a destination as safe after 20 days of certification–the estimated incubation period ensuring the absence of the virus.

posted by colin on Apr 28

Crime Threats

The Yucatan Peninsula has not suffered the same level of escalating violence seen in other parts of Mexico. There is no evidence that indicates that criminals specifically target American citizens. Criminals select victims based on appearance, vulnerability, and inattentiveness.

Safety

In recent years, moped rentals have become widespread in Cancun and Cozumel, and the number of serious moped accidents has risen accordingly. Most operators carry no insurance and do not conduct safety checks. U.S. Embassy Mexico City recommends avoiding operators who do not provide a helmet with the rental. Some operators have been known to demand fees many times in excess of damages caused to the vehicles, even if renters have purchased insurance in advance. Vacationers at other beach resorts have encountered similar problems after accidents involving rented jet skis.

One of the better recommendations for avoiding being the victim of a crime at tourist destinations is employing the buddy system, traveling with a trusted individual. Be cognizant of your consumption of alcohol. Most vehicular accidents and incidents of crime affecting U.S. citizens involve the excess consumption of alcohol.

Traveling by Automobile

Road conditions in the Yucatan Peninsula are different than those encountered in the United States. Extra care should be exercised when passing a vehicle or being passed. Non-toll roads between major cities can be narrow and vary in conditions. Toll roads are generally wider and better maintained. Drivers should beware of unmarked speed bumps in populated areas. Driving at night outside of major cities is not advisable due to the lack of adequate street lighting.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death of U.S. citizens in Mexico. Motorists should exercise special caution on the heavily traveled expressway south of Cancun, particularly between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where the road reduces from four divided lanes to two-way traffic on a narrow and poorly maintained road.

U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Prior to road travel ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and that fluids are at the correct level. When traveling long distances, it is best to travel in tandem with another vehicle. Ensure that there is enough fuel to reach larger cities or towns, as some smaller communities may not have service stations.

The following items are recommended for road trips:

• Cellular phone and charger
• Spare tire
• Portable gas can with funnel
• Potable water
• Non-perishable food items
• First-aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Flares / reflectors
• Tool kit
• Spare key

Protecting Your Vehicle

Do not leave valuables or items such as laptops, iPods, and expensive sunglasses in plain view and unattended in your vehicle. Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street. When possible park your vehicle inside residential compounds or parking areas with attendants.

OSAC – Overseas Security Advisory Council

posted by colin on Feb 25

Few places on earth cause as much amazement as the Riviera Maya. This is a 125-mile-Iong coastline that extends along the incredible turquoise blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean, on the eastern shores of the State of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula.

What makes the Riviera Maya so different from other coast­lines around the world? It has a large quantity of beaches with glistening white sand and mild surf. Near the shore, a low-ele­vation jungle, typical of the tropics, acts as a wall to the sea.

Practically impenetrable, it’s a habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna and for geological formations. Here are the “cenotes”-deposits of capricious shapes and different sizes, produced by the subterranean rivers that emerged to the surface over the course of millions of years. Facing the Riviera Maya’s coast is the world’s second-largest coral reef, making it an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkeling.

The starting point of the Riviera Maya is Puerto Morelos. Just south is Playa Maroma, a 370-acre eco-park of tropical jungle, mangroves and cenotes, where travelers can enjoy biking, canoeing, kayaking, trekking and horseback riding. Playa del Carmen, the largest town in the Riviera Maya, offers the flavor of a small fishing village mixed with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Shopping, restaurants and nightlife center around Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida). The resort area of Playacar is home to a number of upscale and all-inclusive resorts, more than 100 small archeological sites, the Xaman-Ha Aviary (home to more than 200 bird species)and Cavernas Sacbe, a rock cavern.

Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park offering a unique glimpse into the region’s natural surroundings and inter­active activities like snorkeling in under­ground rivers, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding and scuba diving. There’s also a natural aquarium, museum, botanical garden, Mayan village and unique folkloric shows at night.

Continuing south, visitors will note Xpu-Ha, a large beautiful bay and beach with calm waters and great visibility, as well as Kantenah, another secluded beach area. Xpu-Ha is home to the Cenote Manatee, one of the largest cenotes in the region, and the Xpu-Ha Lagoon. Kantun Chi is a remarkable eco-park in the heart of the Riviera Maya that is excellent for snorkel­ing in freshwater cenotes and exploring the underground caverns. Its name means “yellow stone mouth” in Mayan. Aktun­Chen features three caves filled with stalac­tite and stalagmite rocks, cenotes and an opportunity to see the Riviera Maya’s diverse wildlife.

The small town of Akumal, known as “the place of turtles,” is a favorite place of the endangered marine turtles, as well as for divers. It’s also well known for its eco­logical center, Ukana-I, which is used for both research and as a community center. Just north of Akumal is YaIku Lagoon, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The beaches of Soliman Bay and Tankah are favorites for both locals and tourists. Further south is Xel-Ha (“the place where water was born”), a l50-acre eco-archeological park. An incredible nat­ural aquarium where the ocean combines with the freshwater springs and under­ground rivers, Xel-Ha is ideal for tubing, snorkeling and swimming. Xel-Ha is also home to macaws and is surrounded by a thick jungle, caves and cenotes. Archeological sites containing altars dedi­cated to Yum Chac are located nearby.

The archeological site of Tulum (“walled city”) offers some of the most impressive Mayan ruins anywhere. Built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this site contains more than 60 well-pre­served structures. Tulum also offers beauti­ful beaches and cenotes, including the well known Calavera, the Grand cenote and the Car Wash. Located inland, Coba is one of the most important archeological sites in the Riviera Maya. The main pyramid, Nohuch Mul, is 138 feet tall, the highest on the west side of the Peninsula.

To the extreme south of the Riviera Maya on a small peninsula is Sian Ka’ an Biosphere Reserve, which offers an oppor­tunity to explore mangroves, ancient Mayan canals and the almost untouched wilderness of the jungle. Only a limited part of the reserve, a large protected area of 1.5 million acres with more than 62 miles of the Great Maya Reef, is open to tourists. Located within the Reserve are Boca Paila and Punta Allen, a village with only 600 inhabitants whose livelihood is dependent on spiny lobster fishing.

The southernmost point in the Riviera Maya is the town of Felipe Puerto Carillo, considered a central point for all Mayan communities of the area. It provides a glimpse into the past, as the town has pre­served much of its ancient Mayan culture. Its numerous historic and archaeological sites include The Temple de la Cruz Parlante (Temple of the Talking Cross) and a cultural center from the last century.

J. Bernhardt

posted by colin on Jan 27

All Inclusive Family Resorts Mexico

“One of our best selling points for families is that at Palace Resorts our child rates are for kids ages 4-17,” says director of Marketing Maira Briceno. “Children 3 years of age and younger stay and eat free.” Most hotels, she adds, offer children’s rates only for those 12 years old and younger-once they turn 13, they pay the adult rate.  At Palace Resorts, children 4-17 pay $50 per night when sharing the room with adults.

All Inclusive Palace Resorts has a number of family-friendly properties through-out Mexico with a variety of activities, amenities and perks for the whole tribe. “On the west coast of Mexico we have Vallarta Palace. In Cancun, we have the newly remodeled Cancun Palace. This hotel has a spectacular kids’ club with its own pool and water park with slides, theater table games and lots of entertainment,” explains Briceno.

“The Moon Palace Cancun is its own destination in itself. Here kids have plenty of fun; aside from the kids’ club, we offer miniature golf and a playground, an entertaining pool with slides, and for older kids (13+) we now feature paintball (for an additional fee). Xpu-Ha Palace offers a mini-zoo, snorkeling and kayaking onsite, and ecological tours around the property. Kids and parents can also rent bikes and explore the property on their own.” Each resort, she adds, has its own unique features and personality.

Added convenience is on the way at Palace’s kids’ clubs. According to Briceno, Palace has begun providing parents with cell phones so they can go about their day without worrying about the little ones. “If a child wants to leave the kids’ club, we just phone their parents and they can go and pick them up. We have implemented this feature at the Cancun Palace already and soon all the kids’ clubs will have it.

Briceno encourages guests to learn more about all of Palace’s All Inclusive Resorts and decide which is best suited to their needs and wants. “We offer a variety of hotel options for all tastes, whether it’s the hip Cancun hotel zone or secluded Moon Palace. If [you] prefer a more laid-back retreat, the Riviera Maya offers a variety of options or an island feel at Cozumel Palace.”

We suggest that you make contact with a Palace Premier member to get the Best Deal Cancun Resorts.

posted by colin on Dec 29

Cancun is an affordable fly-in destination with bone-white beaches and impossibly blue water. Problem is, it’s increasingly hard to see beach or water when you drive along the 13-mile corridor that comprises Cancún’s Hotel Zone. High-rise resorts line the sidewalk, and masses of tourists crowd the adjacent malls and entertainment complexes. But you can escape the hordes — and get closer to nature — at eco-style lodgings in the area.

Family Affairs

For a family vaction all inclusive resorts style, go wild at Palace Resorts Xpu-Ha, 50 miles south of the airport. No one would mistake this five-star property for a boutique resort, but with 144 rooms spread over 37 acres of tropical terrain, it’s a far cry from its over-built neighbors. Xpu-Ha originally operated as an eco-park, so aside from enticing pools and lots of sand, it has cool extras like a fish-filled lagoon, an aviary, and pens for wildcats, monkeys, and crocs.

Children get up-close access because its Kids’ Club adds ecological activities to the usual round of crafts and games. Parents can take guided nature walks, kayak excursions, or visit a plant nursery to learn about age-old healing methods from a Mayan doctor.

Lodgings look rustic but are quite upscale. Indeed, beneath the thatched roofing you’ll find satellite TVs, air-conditioners and Jacuzzis. Nightly adult rates start at $173; there’s a $50 charge for kids ages 4-17, while little tykes stay for free. When you reserve three or more nights, the all-inclusive price includes outings to popular attractions such as Palancar’s reef and assorted ruins.